Youngsters like Will Hartman will get the chance to feel what it's like to be pulled along by a beautiful dog like Esker when a special mutt race is held on Williamson Lake April 30. - photo courtesy of Page Burt |
Barking in a new direction
Races, mascots and family fun aimed at involving community
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, April 23 2014
RANKIN INLET
The Qimuksiqtiit Dog Mushing Derby will unveil a new approach to encourage more participation in the sport, especially from youth, during the next two weeks in Rankin Inlet.
The main 10dog, opencategory race will run May 2 to 4, with mushers covering about 30 miles a day chasing the $5,000 championship purse.
Coorganizer Harry Ittinuar said the event has come together well this year.
He said after the main race, weather permitting, both an elder's and a female race will be held around Thompson Island.
"Our new mutt race, for kids aged six to 11, will be on April 30," said Ittinuar.
"It will feature a straight strip on Williamson Lake for the kids to race, each with one dog.
"It's all about giving them a chance to experience being on a dogsled.
"It's going to be like a little kids' festival with hotdogs, a photographer and two brandnew mascots we hope will cheer up the kids and provide a lot of fun for them."
Ittinuar said he's hoping to see at last 10 racers compete in the main race.
He said that number could be higher, if any racers from other communities make the trip to Rankin.
"We're not sure, at this point, what's going on with the racers in Baker Lake and Arviat.
"From what I've been told, Baker is holding its own derby a few days after ours.
"But, I hope once they're aware of our derby, and the prizes we're offering from first to 10th, some of them may show up for our race."
Ittinuar's wife, Sally, spearheaded the mutt race.
She said the idea came about because they wanted to offer something to involve the community and excite the kids.
"We hold bingos to fundraise, and the people of the community support us by buying cards, so we want to give something back," said Sally.
"I want to do what I can to keep the tradition of dog mushing alive in Rankin.
"If the kids see how we treat the dogs, and that they're friendly, not vicious, they may want to learn more and start enjoying the sport.
"I just want to introduce the kids to the dogs, get them involved, and see where it goes from there."
Sally said, hopefully, the kids' race and little carnival will get the community involved with the event.
She said having it all easily accessible was why she wanted it on Williamson Lake.
"We have two dog mascots (Gee and Haw) on their way and, hopefully, they'll give out candy and have a lot of fun with the kids.
"If we start small and add a little each year, maybe it will take off with the kids.
"When we went to the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska, our sport was accepted, enjoyed and celebrated, while, here, people often complain the dogs are too loud or say we don't care for them properly, when we take very good care of our dogs.
"Maybe this will also help educate people a little bit about mushing, and they'll start to show both the dogs and the sport a bit more respect."
